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PubMed · 16170820

Methods for characterizing plant fibers.

Natasha Cruthers·Debra Carr·Brian Niven·Elizabeth Girvan·Raechel Laing
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Abstract

The effectiveness of different microscopy techniques for measuring the dimensions of ultimate fibers from harakeke (Phormium tenax, New Zealand flax) was investigated using a factorial experimental design. Constant variables were geographical location, location of specimens along the leaf, season (winter), individual plant, a fourth leaf from a north-facing fan, age of plant, and cultivars (two). Experimental variables were microscopy techniques and measurement axis. Measurements of width and length of harakeke ultimate fibers depended on the microscopic preparation/technique used as well as the cultivar examined. The best methods were (i) transverse sections of leaf specimens 4 microm thick, embedded in Paraplast and observed using light microscopy, and (ii) nonfixed ultimate fibers observed using scanning electron microscopy.

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AsparagaceaeMicroscopyMicroscopy, Electron, ScanningPlant LeavesSeasonsTextilesJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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Natasha Cruthers, Debra Carr, Brian Niven, Elizabeth Girvan, Raechel Laing. 2005-08-01. Methods for characterizing plant fibers.. https://doi.org/10.1002/jemt.20206

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